ClearSign Technologies Corp - Quarter Report: 2023 March (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

​

​

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

​

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023

OR

​

​

For the transition period from ______________ to _______________

Commission File Number 001-35521

CLEARSIGN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

​

​

8023 E. 63rd Place, Suite 101

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

​

(918) 236-6461

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

​

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

​

​

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ⌧ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period than the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ⌧ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

​

​

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐  No ⌧

​

As of May 10, 2023, the issuer has 38,545,556 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001, issued and outstanding.

​

​

​

Table of Contents

​

TABLE OF CONTENTS

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Table of Contents

​

PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ClearSign Technologies Corporation and Subsidiary

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

​

​

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

​

1

Table of Contents

​

ClearSign Technologies Corporation and Subsidiary

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

​

​

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

​

2

Table of Contents

ClearSign Technologies Corporation and Subsidiary

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022

​

​

​

​

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

​

3

Table of Contents

ClearSign Technologies Corporation and Subsidiary

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

​

​

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

​

4

Table of Contents

ClearSign Technologies Corporation

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Organization and Description of Business

ClearSign Technologies Corporation (“ClearSign” or the “Company”) designs and develops products and technologies that have been shown to significantly improve key performance characteristics of industrial and commercial systems, including operational performance, energy efficiency, emission reduction, safety, and overall cost-effectiveness. The Company’s patented technologies are designed to be embedded in established OEM products as ClearSign Core™ and ClearSign Eye™ and other sensing configurations in order to enhance the performance of combustion systems and fuel safety systems in a broad range of markets. These markets include energy (upstream oil production and down-stream refining), commercial/industrial boiler, chemical, petrochemical, transport and power industries. The Company’s primary technology is its ClearSign Core technology, which achieves very low emissions without the need of selective catalytic reduction.

The Company was incorporated in the State of Washington in 2008. During January 2022, the Company relocated its headquarters from Seattle, Washington to Tulsa, Oklahoma. On July 28, 2017, the Company incorporated a subsidiary, ClearSign Asia Limited, in Hong Kong to represent the Company’s business and technological interests throughout Asia. Through ClearSign Asia Limited, the Company has established a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE) in China – ClearSign Combustion (Beijing) Environmental Technologies Co., LTD.

Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms ClearSign and the Company refer to ClearSign Technologies Corporation and its subsidiary, ClearSign Asia Limited.

Liquidity

The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements have been presented on the basis that it is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of March 31, 2023, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $5,328 thousand, and short-term held-to-maturity investments totaled $3,161 thousand, which is sufficient to fund current operating expenses beyond twelve months from the date hereof. The Company’s technologies are currently in field development, but with nominal fully operational commercial installations, and have generated nominal revenues from operations to date to meet operating expenses. In order to generate meaningful revenues, the technologies must be fully developed, gain market recognition and acceptance, and develop a critical level of successful sales and product installations.

Historically, the Company has financed operations primarily through issuances of equity securities. Since inception, the Company has raised approximately $91.0 million in gross proceeds through the sale of its equity securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company did not raise proceeds through the issuance of common stock.

​

The Company has incurred losses since its inception totaling $90.0 million and expects to experience operating losses and negative cash flows for the foreseeable future. Management believes that the successful growth and operation of the Company’s business is dependent upon its ability to obtain adequate sources of funding through co-development agreements, strategic partnering agreements, or equity or debt financing to adequately support product commercialization efforts, protect intellectual property, form relationships with strategic partners, and provide for working capital and general corporate purposes. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving its long-term plans as set forth above, or that such plans, if consummated, will result in profitable operations or enable the Company to continue in the long-term as a going concern.

​

5

Table of Contents

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022 has been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements as of that date.

In the opinion of management, these condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring and other adjustments necessary for a fair presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire fiscal year or any other future periods.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ClearSign and its subsidiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition and Cost of Sales

The Company recognizes revenue and related cost of goods sold in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). When applying ASC 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the promises and performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the performance obligations are satisfied. Revenues and cost of goods sold are recognized once the goods or services are delivered to the customer’s control or non-refundable performance obligations are satisfied. The Company’s contracts with customers generally have performance obligations and a schedule of non-refundable cancellation obligations. The contracts generally will be fully performed upon delivery of certain drawings or equipment. Revenue related to the contracts is recognized following the completion of non-refundable performance obligations as defined in the contract.

The Company’s contracts generally include progress payments from the customer upon completion of defined milestones. As these payments are received, they are offset against accumulated project costs and recorded as either contract assets or contract liabilities. Upon completion of the performance obligations and collectability is determined, revenue is recorded. For any contract that is expected to incur costs in excess of the contract price, the Company accrues the estimated loss in full in the period such determination is made.

Contract Costs

The Company capitalizes project costs until performance obligations related to the contract are completed. The Company expenses selling and marketing expenses when incurred within the statements of operations in general and administrative expenses.

6

Table of Contents

Product Warranties

The Company warrants all installed products against defects in materials and workmanship for a period specified in each contract by replacing failed parts. Accruals for product warranties are based on historical or expected warranty experience and current product performance trends and are recorded as a component of cost of sales at the time revenue is recognized. The warranty liabilities are reduced by material and labor costs used to replace parts over the warranty period in the periods in which the costs are incurred. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary, and such adjustments could be material in the future if estimates differ significantly from actual warranty expense. Product warranties are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit in a checking and savings account, and short-term money market instruments with an original maturity of three months or less. Cash equivalents, which consist of short-term U.S. treasury bills, are based on quoted market prices, a Level 1 fair value measure.

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments consist of U.S. treasuries with original maturities of twelve months or less and greater than three months. These short-term investments are classified as held to maturity and are recorded on an amortized cost basis based on the Company’s positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. As of March 31, 2023, the Company has not experienced any other-than-temporary impairment of its short-term investments. A decline in the market value of any held-to-maturity security below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. The company evaluates whether the decline in fair value of its investments is other-than temporary at each quarter-end.

​

The cost basis for the Company’s short-term investments totaled approximately $3,161 thousand and $2,606 thousand as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The unrealized holding gains for the Company’s short-term investments totaled approximately $33 thousand and $4 thousand as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company has not experienced any continuous unrealized holding losses on these investments. The fair value for the Company’s short-term investments totaled approximately $3,194 thousand and $2,610 thousand as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

​

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivables are recorded at the contractual invoiced amount. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established, as necessary, based on past experience and management’s judgment. The determination of the collectability of amounts due from customers require the Company to make judgments regarding future events and trends. Allowances for doubtful accounts are determined based on assessing the Company’s portfolio on an individual customer and on an overall basis. This process consists of a review of historical collection experience, current aging status of the customer accounts, and the financial condition of the Company’s customers. Based on a review of these factors, the Company may establish or adjust the allowance for specific customers and the accounts receivable portfolio as a whole.

Fixed Assets and Leases

Fixed assets are recorded at cost. Leases are recorded in accordance with FASB ASC 842, Leases. For those leases with a term greater than one year, the Company recognizes a right-of-use asset, which is included in fixed assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets, and a lease liability measured at the present value of the lease payments at the time of the lease inception or modification. Lease costs are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Leases with a term of 1 year or less are considered short term leases with rent expense recognized over the lease term. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective lease assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the life of the lease or their useful life,

7

Table of Contents

whichever is shorter. All other fixed assets are depreciated over three to four years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Patents and Trademarks

Third-party expenses related to patents and trademarks are recorded at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets once they are awarded. Patent application costs are deferred pending the outcome of patent and trademark applications. Costs associated with unsuccessful patent applications and abandoned intellectual property are expensed when determined to have no continuing value in current business activity. The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying values of intangible assets each reporting period.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company tests long-lived assets, consisting of fixed assets, patents, trademarks, and other intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use and eventual disposition of the assets. In the event an asset is not fully recoverable, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the long-lived assets. Fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated expected cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved, quoted market prices, or appraised values depending upon the nature of the assets. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed are determined in a similar manner, except those fair values are reduced for the cost of disposal.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are categorized based on whether or not the inputs are observable in the market and the degree that the inputs are observable. The categorization of financial assets and liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of inputs used to establish fair value are the following:

The Company’s financial instruments primarily consist of cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses. As of the balance sheet dates, the estimated fair values of the financial instruments were not materially different from their carrying values as presented on the balance sheets. This is primarily attributable to the short-term nature of these instruments.

The Company did not identify any other recurring or non-recurring assets and liabilities that are required to be presented in the balance sheets at fair value.

Research and Development

The cost of research and development is expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist of salaries, benefits, share based compensation, consumables, and consulting fees, including costs to develop and test prototype equipment and parts. Research and Development costs have been offset by funds received, if any, from strategic partners

8

Table of Contents

in cost sharing, collaborative projects. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not receive funds from these arrangements.

​

Government Assistance

The Company has adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832) Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance, which requires footnote disclosure of assistance received from government entities. The Company records gross monies received from government entities in other income, and associated expenses such as salaries and supplies are recorded in Research and Development or General and Administration, depending on the nature of expenditure. The Company accrues for reimbursement requests submitted to government entities in accounts receivable.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach which allows for the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets based upon the likelihood of realization of tax benefits in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not the Company would not be able to realize their benefits, or that future deductibility is uncertain. Tax benefits are recognized only if it is more likely than not that the tax benefits will be utilized in the foreseeable future.

Share-Based Compensation

The costs of all employee stock options, as well as other equity-based compensation arrangements, are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements based on the estimated fair value of the awards on the grant date. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, or in the case of performance options, expense is recognized upon completion of milestones as defined in the grant agreement. Share-based compensation for stock grants to non-employees is determined as the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measured.

Foreign Operations

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 include assets amounting to approximately $277 thousand and $172 thousand, respectively, relating to operations of ClearSign Asia Limited. The Beijing registered capital requirement is $350 thousand, which is required to be paid by 2027, and of which $111 thousand has been paid as of March 31, 2023. It is always possible that unanticipated events in foreign countries could disrupt the Company’s operations, and since the first quarter of 2020 this has been and currently continues to be the case with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign Currency

Assets and liabilities of ClearSign Asia Limited with non-U.S. Dollar functional currency are translated to U.S. Dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. Revenue and expenses are translated to U.S. Dollars using rates that approximate those in effect during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets in the stockholders’ equity section as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

​

Net Loss per Common Share

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing loss available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted loss per share is computed similar to basic loss per share except that the denominator is increased to include additional common shares available upon exercise of stock options and warrants using the treasury stock method, except for periods for which no common share equivalents are included because their

9

Table of Contents

effect would be anti-dilutive. At March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, potentially dilutive shares outstanding amounted to 3.7 million and 3.3 million, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

In June 2017, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. The standard replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of credit losses. ASU 2016-13, and related amendments, are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2023. This standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

​

​

Note 3 – Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are summarized as follows:

​

​

Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $40 thousand and $7 thousand, respectively.

Leases

The Company leases office space in Seattle, Washington, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Beijing, China. During June 2022, the Company entered into a new lease agreement for its Beijing office space for a period of one year with monthly rent at approximately $2 thousand. The Company classified this lease as an operating lease since it is more likely than not the lease will be renewed at the end of its term.

​

During March 2023, the Company amended its Seattle lease to extend the lease term to September 2023. The amended lease reduced the square footage and lowered the monthly payment to approximately $4 thousand. The Company increased the right of use asset by $5 thousand and decreased the lease liability by $9 thousand. The Seattle, Tulsa, and Beijing leases are classified as operating leases, with remaining terms ranging from six months to six years; contractual language requires renewal negotiations to occur at or near termination. These leases are normal and customary for office space, in that, contractual guarantees exist requiring the lessee to return the premises to its original functional state. The Company accrued a liability of $2 thousand and $87 thousand as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, for the estimated cost of the restoration of the Seattle office. The Company plans to exit the Seattle lease on or before contract termination as part of the Company’s headquarters move from Seattle to Tulsa.

​

The Tulsa lease contains fixed annual lease payments that increase annually by 2%. The Seattle, Tulsa, and Beijing total monthly minimum rent is approximately $11 thousand. Operating lease costs for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were $48 thousand and $57 thousand, respectively.

10

Table of Contents

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases is as follows:

​

​

​

​

​

Minimum future payments under the Company’s lease liabilities as of March 31, 2023 are as follows:

​

​

At March 31, 2023, $32 thousand of the Company’s future minimum lease payments represents interest.

​

​

11

Table of Contents

Note 4 – Patents and Other Intangible Assets

Patents and other intangible assets are summarized as follows:

​

​

Future amortization expense associated with issued patents and registered trademarks as of March 31, 2023 is as follows:

​

​

The amortization life for patents ranges between three to five years, with trademark lives set at ten years. The Company does not amortize patents or trademarks classified as pending.

​

During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company assessed its patent and trademark assets. The Company also evaluated its strategic approach to the pursuit and protection of its intellectual property. It is the intent of the Company to continue to pursue intellectual property protection.

​

If the Company identifies certain assets where the intellectual property does not directly align with its core technology, the Company will impair the intangible asset and write-off the asset as an expense.

​

​

Note 5 – Revenue, Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities

The Company recognized $894 thousand of revenues and $788 thousand of cost of goods sold during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The revenue and cost of goods sold relate predominately to the Company’s process burner product line, where the Company successfully completed a burner performance customer witness test, which represented a contractual performance obligation per ASC 606.

​

The Company did not recognize revenue or cost of goods sold for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

​

The Company had contract assets of $4 thousand and $20 thousand at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company had contract liabilities of $639 thousand and $247 thousand at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

​

12

Table of Contents

Note 6 – Equity

Common Stock and Preferred Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 62.5 million shares of common stock and 2.0 million shares of preferred stock. Preferences, limitations, voting powers and relative rights of any preferred stock to be issued may be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company has not issued any shares of preferred stock.

In July 2018, the Company completed a private equity offering and executed a Stock Purchase Agreement with clirSPV LLC (“clirSPV”) which permits participation in future capital raising transactions (the “Participation Right”) on the same terms as other investors participating in such transactions. In no event may the Participation Right be exercised to the extent it would cause clirSPV or any of its affiliates to beneficially own 20% or more of the Company’s then outstanding common stock. In May 2022, the Company signed an agreement with clirSPV, that provides for an election right to extend the Participation Right beyond the original expiration date of December 31, 2023, but to no later than June 30, 2027. This election is pursuant to specific terms and conditions and expires on December 31, 2023.

​

The Company has an At-The-Market (“ATM”) Offering Sales Agreement with Virtu Americas LLC, as sales agent pursuant to which it may currently sell shares of common stock with an aggregate offering price of up to $8.7 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company issued zero shares of its common stock from the ATM program. As of March 31, 2023, the Company has cumulatively issued approximately 1.6 million shares of common stock under the ATM program, at an average price of $3.84 per share. Gross proceeds totaled approximately $6.1 million and net cash proceeds was approximately $5.9 million.

​

The Company is currently subject to the SEC’s “baby shelf rules,” which prohibits companies with a public float of less

than $75 million from issuing securities under a shelf registration statement in excess of one-third of such company’s

public float in a 12-month period. These rules may limit future issuances of shares by the Company under its shelf

registration statement on Form S-3, the ATM Offering Sales Agreement or other securities offerings.

​

Equity Incentive Plan

On June 17, 2021, the Company's shareholders approved and the Company adopted the ClearSign Technologies Corporation 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) which permits the Company to grant Incentive Stock Options, Non-statutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, and Performance Shares, to eligible participants, which includes employees, directors and consultants. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is authorized to administer the 2021 Plan.

​

The 2021 Plan provides for an annual increase in available shares equal to the lesser of (i) 10% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issued by the Company in the prior fiscal year; or (ii) such number provided by the Compensation Committee; provided, however, that the total cumulative increase in the number of shares available for issuance pursuant to this automatic share increase shall not exceed 400 thousand shares of common stock. In 2023, the board of directors approved an increase of 400,000 shares available for issuance pursuant to future awards in accordance with the terms of the 2021 Plan.

Ending balances for the 2021 Plan is as follows:

​

​

13

Table of Contents

Stock Options

​

Under the terms of the 2021 Plan, incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options must have an exercise price at or above the fair market value on the date of the grant. At the time of grant, the Company will determine the period within which the option may be exercised and will specify any conditions that must be satisfied before the option vests and may be exercised. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.

​

As permitted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 107, management utilized the simplified approach to estimate the expected term of the options, which represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatility has been determined through the Company’s historical stock price volatility. The Company has not made an estimate of forfeitures at the time of the grant, but rather accounts for forfeitures at the time they occur. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant. The Company has never declared or paid dividends and has no plans to do so in the foreseeable future.

​

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, no new options were awarded by the company.

​

Compensation expense associated with stock option awards for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $44 thousand and $42 thousand, respectively.

​

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and changes is as follows:

​

​

The estimated aggregate pretax intrinsic value of the Company’s outstanding vested stock options at March 31, 2023 is $27 thousand. The intrinsic value is the difference between the Company’s common stock price and the option exercise prices multiplied by the number of in-the-money options. This amount changes based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock.

​

At March 31, 2023, there was $1.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option-based compensation arrangements. Vesting criteria ranges from time-based to performance-based. The Company records costs for time-based arrangements ratably across the timeframe, whereas performance-based arrangements require management to continually evaluate predetermined goals against actual circumstances.

​

Restricted Stock Units

The Company awards employees and directors restricted stock units (“RSUs”) in lieu of cash payment for compensation. These awards are granted pursuant to the 2021 Plan. Employee vesting criteria is time based, and compensation expense is recognized ratably across the timeframe.

14

Table of Contents

Director vesting criteria is contingent upon the occurrence of one of four future events, which the Company cannot predict or control. Therefore, compensation expense for director RSUs is not recognized until one of these four future events occur, which is in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification, Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, (ASC 718). Unrecognized compensation expense for director services amounted to $68 thousand and $85 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Director compensation is earned on a quarterly basis with the target value of compensation set at approximately $85 thousand per quarter.

A summary of the Company’s RSUs activity and changes is as follows:

​

​

A summary of the Company’s RSU compensation expense is as follows:

​

​

Stock Awards

The Company awards employees stock in lieu of cash payment for compensation, typically to satisfy accrued bonus compensation. The awards are granted from the Company’s 2021 Plan.

​

​

15

Table of Contents

Consultant Stock Plan

The 2013 Consultant Stock Plan (the “Consultant Plan”) provides for the granting of shares of common stock to consultants who provide services related to capital raising, investor relations, and making a market in or promoting the Company’s securities. The Company’s officers, employees, and board members are not entitled to receive grants from the Consultant Plan. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is authorized to administer the Consultant Plan and establish the grant terms. The Consultant Plan provides for periodic increases in the number of authorized shares available for issuance under the Consultant Plan on the first day of each of the Company’s fiscal quarters. The quarterly increases are equal to 1% of any new shares subsequently issued by the Company or such lesser amount as the Board of Directors shall determine.

​

The Consultant Plan activity and change is as follows:

​

​

​

The Consultant Plan compensation expense is summarized as follows:

​

​

​

Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

From time to time the Company may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and an adverse result in any such matter may harm the Company’s business. As of the date of this report, the Company is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings or claims that the Company believes will have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or operating results.

Indemnification Agreements

The Company maintains indemnification agreements with its directors and officers that may require the Company to indemnify these individuals against liabilities that arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers, except as prohibited by law.

​

16

Table of Contents

Note 8 – Government Assistance

​

During 2022, the Company was awarded a research grant from the Department of Energy (“DOE”) for approximately $250 thousand with the completion occurring in March 2023. The purpose of the grant was to produce a research paper for a flexible fuel ultra-low NOx process burner capable of burning 100% hydrogen fuel. The award allowed the Company to request reimbursements for expenditures such as labor, material, and administrative costs. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized $69 thousand in reimbursements from DOE. The Company did not recognize reimbursements from the DOE for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

​

Beginning in 2021, the Company received funds relating to the Oklahoma 21^st Century Quality Jobs Act. The estimated duration of the program is up to 10 years and is designed to attract growth industries to Oklahoma. By reporting quarterly salary statistics and meeting agreed upon employment thresholds, the state remits benefit monies to the Company. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized $24 thousand in government assistance. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company had no government assistance from this program.

​

Note 9 – Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events as of the date of this report, and has none to report.

​

​

17

Table of Contents

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. You can find many (but not all) of these statements by looking for words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will” or other similar expressions in this report. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions; prospective products, applications, customers, and technologies; future performance or results of any products; anticipated expenses; and future financial results. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

​

Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report, including, without limitation, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions and are made as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this report. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “ClearSign,” “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to ClearSign Technologies Corporation and its subsidiary, ClearSign Asia Limited.

​

18

Table of Contents

ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as our audited financial statements and related notes included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis here and throughout this Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, the risks described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

​

Overview

​

We design and develop technologies for the purpose of improving key performance characteristics of combustion systems, including emission and operational performance, energy efficiency and overall cost-effectiveness. Our ClearSign Core™ technology has been proven in full scale industrial test furnaces and boilers and first customer installations are currently operating in normal commercial applications. We have generated nominal revenues from operations to date to meet operating expenses.

​

We have incurred losses since inception totaling $90.0 million and we expect to experience operating losses and negative cash flow for the foreseeable future. We have historically financed our operations primarily through issuances of equity securities. Since inception, we have raised approximately $91.0 million in gross proceeds through the sale of our equity securities. We may need to raise additional capital in the future, however, the significant volatility in the capital markets may negatively affect our ability to raise this additional capital.

​

In order to generate meaningful revenues, our technologies must gain market recognition and acceptance to develop sufficient recurring sales. In addition, management believes that the successful growth and operation of our business is dependent upon our ability to obtain adequate sources of funding through co-development agreements, strategic partnering agreements, or equity or debt financing to support commercialization of our research and development efforts, protect intellectual property, form relationships with strategic partners and provide for working capital and general corporate purposes. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in achieving our long-term plans, or that such plans, if consummated, will result in profitable operations or enable us to continue in the long-term as a going concern.

​

With respect to our China operations, we have a satellite office located in Beijing, China to support our commercialization efforts. At this time, these operations in China are immaterial compared to total company operations. As of March 31, 2023, our China asset balance totaled $277 thousand, or approximately 3%, compared to our total asset balance of $10,167 thousand. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, our China operations reported zero revenues.

​

Our costs include employee salaries and benefits, compensation paid to consultants, materials and supplies for prototype development and manufacture, costs associated with development activities including materials, sub-contractors, travel and administration, legal and accounting expenses, sales and marketing costs, general and administrative expenses, and other costs associated with an early stage, publicly traded technology company. We currently have 16 full-time employees. Because using third party expertise and resources is more efficient than maintaining full time resources, we also expect to incur ongoing consulting expenses related to technology development and some administrative, sales and legal functions commensurate with our current level of activities.

​

The amount that we spend for any specific purpose may vary significantly, and could depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the pace of progress of our commercialization and development efforts, actual needs with respect to product testing, development and research, market conditions, and changes in or revisions to our sales and marketing strategies.

​

19

Table of Contents

Research, development, and commercial acceptance of new technologies are, by their nature, unpredictable.  Although we undertake development and commercialization efforts with reasonable diligence, there can be no assurance that the net proceeds from our securities offerings will be sufficient to enable us to develop our technology to the extent needed to create sufficient future sales to sustain operations.  If the net proceeds from these offerings are insufficient for this purpose, we will consider other options to continue our path to commercialization, including, but not limited to, additional financing through follow-on equity offerings, debt financing, co-development agreements, sale or licensing of developed intellectual or other property, or other alternatives.

​

We cannot assure that our technologies will be accepted, that we will ever earn revenues sufficient to support our operations, or that we will ever be profitable. Furthermore, we have no committed source of financing, and we cannot assure that we will be able to raise money as and when we need it to continue our operations. If we cannot raise funds as and when we need them, we may be required to scale back our development by reducing expenditures for employees, consultants, business development and marketing efforts or to otherwise severely curtail, or even to cease, our operations.

​

Critical Accounting Policies

​

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Certain accounting policies and estimates are particularly important to the understanding of our financial position and results of operations. These policies and estimates require the application of significant judgment by management. These estimates can be materially affected by changes from period to period as economic factors and conditions outside of our control change. As a result, they are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. In applying these policies, our management uses their judgment to determine the appropriate assumptions to be used in the determination of certain estimates. Those estimates are based on our historical operations, our future business plans and projected financial results, the terms of existing contracts, our observance of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. See Note 2 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a more complete description of our significant accounting policies.

​

Revenue Recognition and Cost of Goods Sold.

​

The Company recognizes revenue and related cost of goods sold in accordance with FASB ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606). Revenues and cost of goods sold are recognized once the goods or services are delivered to the customer’s control or non-refundable performance obligations are satisfied. The Company’s contracts with customers generally have performance obligations and a schedule of non-refundable cancellation obligations. The contracts generally will be fully performed upon delivery of certain documents or equipment. Revenue related to the contracts is recognized following the completion of non-refundable performance obligations as defined in the contract.

​

The Company’s contracts generally include progress payments from customers upon completion of defined milestones. As these payments are received, they are offset against accumulated project costs and recorded as either contract assets or contract liabilities. Upon completion of the performance obligations and collectability is determined, revenue can be recorded. For any contract in connection with which the Company is expected to incur costs in excess of the contact price, the Company accrues the estimated loss in full in the period such determination is made.

​

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

​

The Company tests long-lived assets, consisting of fixed assets, patents, and other intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use and eventual disposition of the assets. In the event an asset in not fully recoverable a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the long-lived assets. Fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated expected cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved, quoted market prices, or appraised values

20

Table of Contents

depending upon the nature of the assets. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of is determined in a similar manner, except those fair values are reduced for the cost of disposal.

​

Product Warranties

​

The Company warrants all installed products against defects in materials and workmanship, and shortcomings in performance compared to contractual guarantees for a period specified in each contract. Accruals for product warranties are based on expected warranty experience and current product performance trends which are recorded as a component of cost of sales at the time revenue is recognized. The warranty liabilities are reduced by material and labor costs during the warranty period in the periods in which the costs are incurred. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of our recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary, and such adjustments could be material if estimates differ significantly from actual warranty expense. The warranty liabilities are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

​

Research and Development

​

The cost of research and development is expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist of salaries, benefits, share based compensation, consumables, and consulting fees, including costs to develop and test prototype equipment and parts. Research and development costs are offset by any funds received from strategic partners in cost sharing, collaborative projects.

​

Stock-Based Compensation

​

The costs of all employee stock options, as well as other equity-based compensation arrangements, are reflected in the unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements based on the estimated fair value of the awards on the grant date. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, or in the case of performance options, expense is recognized upon completion of a milestone as defined in the grant agreement. Stock-based compensation for stock grants to non-employees is determined as the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measured.

​

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

​

The Company's financial instruments primarily consist of cash equivalents, accounts payable, accrued expenses and short-term investments in government securities. As of the balance sheet date, the estimated fair values of the financial instruments were not materially different from their carrying values as presented on the consolidated balance sheets. This is primarily attributed to the short maturities of these instruments.

​

21

Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

​

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022

​

Highlights of our quarter financial performance are as follows:

​